Several studies have shown that when you buy from an independent, locally-owned business, rather than a nationally-owned businesses, significantly more of your money is used to make purchases from other local businesses, service providers, and farms — continuing to strengthen the economic base of the community.

 

Small businesses typically donate more than twice as much per sales dollar to local non-profits, events, and teams compared to big businesses.

 

Remember, where one shops, where one eats and has fun — all of it makes your community home. Your one-of-a-kind businesses are an integral part of the distinctive character of your community. 

 

Local businesses are typically owned by people who live in the community, are less likely to leave, and are more invested in the community’s future.

 

The Clear Lake Elevator has a plethora of gift-giving ideas for all types of people.

 

How about a pair of Muck boots (all sizes and styles) in prices ranging from $90 to $165? What about picking up a bird feeder for that bird lover in prices ranging from $9 to $63 (many varieties)?

 

Don’t forget your pet! Pick up a dog jacket (many colors and sizes) for anywhere between $20 and $48. Or, grab a Gismo — the all-in-one dog walking device for $15 - $25. Finally, Dirty Dog doormats and runners are available for just $25 to $53.

 

Pebble Creek has a ton of gift ideas for the golf enthusiast in your life!

 

Gift cards in any amount are available for the pro shop and grill & bar. Stylish sunglasses make great stocking stuffers in prices ranging from $50 to $70.

 

Keep warm and comfortable on the course with quality golf socks for $8.50 to $15. And hats...Pebble Creek has a great selection of hats from $17 to $30!

 

While you are out shopping local, what better place to swing in and get a bite to eat than at Cafe Pawz inside Becker Furniture World?

 

While you are there, grab some gift certificates in $5 increments as stocking stuffers to brighten someone’s Christmas!

 

Everyone knows a person or two who is suffering from debilitating pain and stress. How about swinging by Able Bodies to pick up  some massage therapy gift certificates in any price range?

 

Or, grab a Rollga foam roller as a gift of movement for just $35.

 

Or, give yourself a gift by signing up for a 30-minute cupping session for $45.

 

When planning your parties, come to Becker Food Pride to pick up all the necessary items to impress your guests.

 

Food Pride has deli party trays staring at $12.49. They also have bakery dessert trays starting at $7.99. Fresh flowers and poinsettias make your rooms come alive and Food Pride has them starting at $7.99.

 

Fruit baskets are a great gift or as a centerpiece and they are starting at $9.99 or, pick up some gift certificates in any denomination for stocking stuffers!

 

Jubilee Liquors has numerous gift-giving ideas and fun ideas for your holiday party.

 

Pick up some Twisted Shotz (four-pack) for $4.99. Or how about Crown Royal gift packs for just $25.99? 

 

Grab some Tom & Jerry batter for $6.19 or a Budweiser holiday stein for just $16.99.

 

Or, pick up a 15-count Rumchata mini chatas creamers for just $12.29!

 

Keep that auto of yours running smooth this winter by brining it in for a tune-up or oil change at Eddie’s Auto Repair in Clear Lake.

 

While there, pick up some gift certificates in any denomination as stocking stuffers or inserted in your holiday greeting cards!

 

McDonald’s Meats is the perfect place to pick up holiday gift boxes for the meat and cheese connoisseur.

 

Get a 1-lb. smokehouse specialty box for just $20.99. A 14.6-ounce mini summer sausage gift box for $12.99. A 16-ounce jerky sampler gift box for $24.99. A traveler’s gift box (14.5 ounces) for $14.99.

 

How about a one-pound, nine ounce  “I love beef” gift box for $25.99? Or, a summer sausage sampler box (one pound, 8 ounces) for $20.99. Or the 2-lb. grand smokehouse specialty box for $39.99.

 

One of people’s favorites is the 2-lbs., 12. ounces sticks sampler gift box for $37.99 or the granddaddy of them all — the 3-lbs., 11.8 ounce snack pack box for $49.99!

 

McDonald’s Meats also does custom gift boxes that you can design yourself!

 

Weekend Cottage has sweater mittens that are so cozy and warm for $25 in just about every color! Pick up some cabin pillows with great cabin fabrics and filled with down feathers for just $25!

 

Boot Buoys — useful for boots and for organizing closets are just $20. A girl can never have enough jewelry right? Get your hands on some vintage jewelry for $20 and up. Or, Weekend Cottage has tons of books on all subjects and topics for anywhere between $4 to $18!

 

Merry Christmas!